Italy will be the Guest of Honour at next years Abu Dhabi International Book Fair the 26th in the annual series which will run from April 27th to May 3rd, 2016.

In the framework of the increasing cooperation between the UAE and Italy in the field of culture, H.E. Jasem Mohamed Al Darmaki, Acting Director General of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and the Ambassador of Italy to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Giorgio Starace, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at an official ceremony held today at the 2015 edition of the fair.

Commenting on the strength of bi-lateral relations and the significance of Italy being selected as the ADIBF 2016 Guest of Honour, H.E. Jasem Mohamed Al Darmaki said, Italy is world-renowned for its profound cultural heritage, welcoming people and a deep-rooted literary heritage. We have a wonderful opportunity to share the richness of this contemporary Italian literary and culture landscape with the growing number of visitors to the book fair, and look forward to working in conjunction with our Italian partners to provide an engaging programme of activities and events to enhance cross-cultural relations.
The creation of an Italian pavilion will take centre stage at the 2016 book fair, which will host a rich programme of Italian cultural events, not only in the field of literature but also in music, cinema and cuisine, while the embassy will have the responsibility of preparing a cultural programme which hosts Italys most distinguished authors and intellectuals.

I am very proud of the appreciation and interest that Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has shown for Italian culture and literature, said H.E Giorgio Starace, Italys Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. Italys publishing industry ranks third in the world, which is a huge figure. The Italian Publishers Association will be a crucial partner in the big event that will take place next year. The number of publishers in Italy is constantly growing, in response to an increased and diversified product offering. Today there are 5,000 publishing houses in Italy,

Innovation and excellence is our motto in all fields, including books, and when it comes to art and design catalogues, childrens books, kitchen books and school textbooks the quality of the Italian publishing industry has no equal in the world. We are looking forward to our participation in next years ADBF and I can guarantee that visitors will not be disappointed: they will be offered a programme that lives up to the very high standards of Italian culture, added Ambassador Starace.
Organised by TCA Abu Dhabi, ADIBF is one of the regions fastest growing book fairs, and enjoys wide participation from leading Arab and international publishing houses.
The 26th edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will run from 27 April to 3 May, 2016 in the UAE capitals Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.